The cornflower-blue, fringed blossoms of this perennial attract butterflies like magnets in the garden. Centaurea blooms from early to midsummer and usually blooms again in the fall if plants are cut back hard after the first flush. The flowers are old-fashioned favorites in cut flower bouquets.
This species is a low, spreading one and it will self-seed prolifically if it is not deadheaded. However, it looks best when planted en mass where the blue flower display has the most visual impact.
Height:
24.0 Inches
Spread:
24.0-36.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones:
3,4,5,6,7,8
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Early Summer Midsummer Mid Fall
Attracts Wings:
Attracts Butterflies
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Cottage Eclectic
Other Features:
Border Plant Cut Flower Drought Tolerant Mass Planting
Origin:
Not Native to North America
This perennial is simple to grow and maintain. It needs full sun and thrives in well-drained, limey soils. Centaurea montana 'Blue' is native to dry sites, making it somewhat drought tolerant. Avoid soil that is soggy in winter, which will almost certainly kill it. If planted in too much shade Centaurea will become leggy and floppy. Growing it in full sun and cutting it back hard after flowering should eliminate the need to stake it.
To prevent overcrowding, division should be performed every 2-4 years in the spring.
Height:
24.0 Inches
Spread:
24.0-36.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones:
3,4,5,6,7,8
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Early Summer Midsummer Mid Fall
Attracts Wings:
Attracts Butterflies
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Cottage Eclectic
Other Features:
Border Plant Cut Flower Drought Tolerant Mass Planting
Origin:
Not Native to North America
This perennial is simple to grow and maintain. It needs full sun and thrives in well-drained, limey soils. Centaurea montana 'Blue' is native to dry sites, making it somewhat drought tolerant. Avoid soil that is soggy in winter, which will almost certainly kill it. If planted in too much shade Centaurea will become leggy and floppy. Growing it in full sun and cutting it back hard after flowering should eliminate the need to stake it.
To prevent overcrowding, division should be performed every 2-4 years in the spring.
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